“And you?” Sinead asked, her thorny braids swinging around her face.
“I’ll take the road.”
“That’s too risky,” Henry said as he furrowed his brows.
I flashed him a grin that felt more like a snarl. “Only if I get caught.”
My eyes scanned the group. “Sinead, you take those headed for the archers, and Henry can lead the diversion. Don’t kill anyone unless you have to. We want this to look like rebels stealing supplies, not assassins out for blood.”
Josef glanced about, swallowing thickly. “What if they recognize you? Won’t that expose your sister?”
I lifted the bandana hanging around my neck to cover my mouth and nose. “Don’t worry about me.”
I motioned for him to follow Sinead, and the group melted into the forest without a sound, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the steady approach of the wagons.
I lowered myself to the ground, laying my palm flat against the dirt. My fingers pressed into the soil, and power coiled beneath my skin. The earth responded to my call as roots stirred in the depths below.
The first cart moved into place, its wheels grinding against the loose stones. Through the underbrush, I caught sight of the guards lining the road. They were alert but not alarmed.
A sharp whistle echoed from the western ridge.
Henry was in position.
A second later, another call sounded, letting me know the archers were no longer a threat. Sinead moved quickly, and I found myself grudgingly impressed.
Henry and his group burst from the tree line, shouting battle cries mixed with profanities. The guards wheeled toward the commotion, and steel met steel as they engaged.
I darted from my hiding spot, sprinting straight down the center of the road. As I lifted my hands in the air, I commanded the earth to do my bidding. Roots sprang free from the dirt, wrapping around the wagons and holding them in place.
The soldiers shouted in confusion, their attention split between the ambush coming from the forest and the assault on their cargo. One guard spotted me, his eyes widening as he drew his sword.
“Stop right there.”
But I was already moving.
With a flick of my wrist, I sent a ripple through the earth until the ground buckled beneath his feet. He stumbled, losing his balance just long enough for me to close the distance between us. My dagger found the gap in his armor at his shoulder, and he staggered to his knees. It wasn’t a killing blow, but it removed him from the fight.
“Sorry,” I muttered.
A second guard rounded the wagon. He took in the scene before him, his face contorting with rage as he charged at me. I ducked his wild swing, feeling the air whistle above my head.
Something slammed into the back of my knees, buckling them and sending me to the ground. My hand connected with the dirt, and a cool liquid soaked my palm. I glanced around, watching the receding water as it flowed down the road.
Water Fae.
That… was not ideal.
A massive orb came straight for me, and I rolled to my side, narrowly avoiding being caught by the crushing sphere as it splattered next to me.
I had no intention of drowning today.
As I reached for my magic, I commanded the roots to snake around the guard’s ankles and tugged. He crashed face-first into the dirt with a satisfyingthud, knocking himself unconscious.
That one, I wasnotsorry about.
The sounds of battle intensified behind me, and I risked a glance over my shoulder. Henry was fighting off two guards who seemed to have the upper hand. Calling more power, I let it surge through my veins before directing it to the ground beneath their feet.
The earth softened as mud rose around them, ensnaring their boots. The men toppled backward with startled cries before disappearing in a tangle of roots and soil.
